Method for Constructing A Water Sports Device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for constructing and/or manufacturing a water sports device ( 2 ) which has a modular structure comprising a floating body ( 4 ). The modules can be connected together via interfaces and are connected during operation. In particular, the invention relates to a method for constructing and/or manufacturing a foilboard or driver propulsion vehicle, wherein a server device is provided, and a program-controlled input interface is provided for user-defined inputs on a terminal ( 5 ), in particular a mobile terminal, which is arranged at a distance from the server device in particular. The modules are imaged in a computer program of the server device and/or of the terminal ( 5 ), and at least one outer contour of the floating body ( 4 ) of the water sports device ( 2 ) can be, in particular, freely defined by the user. On the basis of the outer contour of the floating body ( 4 ) defined in the program, automated manufacturing information is produced, and the floating body ( 4 ) manufactured according to the production information can be combined with another module, in particular multiple other modules, to produce the water sports device ( 2 ). The invention also

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/EP2020/080698, filed Nov. 2, 2020 , which itself claims priority to German Patent Application Nos. 10 2019 129575.0, filed Nov. 1, 2019 , the entireties of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for constructing a water sports device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While bespoke manufacturing according to the preferences of the respective owners is often carried out in the case of comparatively large marine vessels such as sailing yachts or motor yachts, comparatively small water sports devices such as, for example, foilboards or underwater scooters, can always be freely selected only within a specific, limited scope. For example, accessory parts such as, for example, ancillary devices such as a trapeze for the user to hold on to, which is attachable to an existing water sports device, can be selected during an order procedure, but the fundamental construction is established.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the object of more individually designing water sports devices for the use by a few, i.e. at most two, persons.

According to the method according to the invention, a modularly constructed water sports device is configured as defined by the user by means of a computer program, wherein a floating body which at least in terms of the external contour thereof is defined by a user is manufactured according to items of production information generated in an automated manner. The external contour here is preferably freely definable. The floating body defined in this way as a module of the water sports device, preferably with one or a plurality of further modules, is subsequently used for the construction and/or production or completion, respectively, of a water sports device composed of a plurality of modules, i.e. a plurality of in particular functional assembles which are connectable to one another. The individual modules of a water sports device which are yet to be described hereunder initially comprise the floating body configured as a module and to be defined in the program and mapped in the latter, as well as any other potential modules necessary for the functioning of the water sports device.

The external contour is the shape of the external surface of the floating body. For example, control data for a CNC milling machine or a 3D printer, which each can be used to produce a floating body, are referred to as items of production information.

The modules of the water sports device are connectable to one another via interfaces preferably defined in an automated manner, and are connected to one another during operation. In particular, the interfaces represent fastening regions for the mechanical fastening of individual modules to one another as well as transfer areas for e.g. control and supply lines.

The method runs so as to be EDP-supported in such a manner that the computer program providing a program-controlled input interface for user-defined input runs on a server installation and/or on an in particular mobile terminal device. A server installation can in particular be designed as a web server from which an input template is made available for a terminal device, via which user inputs required for the configuration are performed. Modules required for using the water sports device are mapped in the program in such a manner that said modules therein can be the subject matter of a configuration. The selected configurations are stored on the terminal device or the server installation and converted to items of production information, this initially applying to the floating body.

Modules of the water sports device are those parts of a water sports device which, in combination with one another, result in the water sports device and which are mapped in a computer program on the server installation and/or the terminal device, i.e. are stored as virtual images which optionally may first be defined and/or adapted. At least one external contour of the floating body of the water sports device can be established in a user-defined manner, the external contour preferably being able to be freely established, i.e. freely specified by the user, regardless of whether the shapes are known or previously unknown in water sports devices.

Based on the external contour of the floating body, items of production information are then created in an automated manner, and the produced floating body is used, depending on the configuration, with one, in particular several other modules that optionally may have to be defined in advance for the completion the water sports device.

In addition to the user-based configuration of the water sports device, an additional configuration can be carried out by the computer program with regard to areas that are less relevant for the user, such as supply and signal lines.

In particular, the external contour is to be determined on the basis of free-form surfaces on the server installation and/or the terminal device. This results in a volume of the floating body, which can be used to dispose functional elements that can be defined as additional modules. In terms of programming, the interfaces here are optionally provided in cooperation with the user, or automatically provided at expedient positions in or on the floating body.

In the step for defining the floating body, data that is available to be specified in a 3D data format can optionally also be uploaded, said data having been created by the user in a construction program or originating from such a program. For example, this can be a floating body image in the form of a saucer or banana.

So that the water sports device to be constructed is actually capable of swimming and/or diving, depending on the configuration, there is a checking routine on the server installation or on the end device with regard to the constructive, in particular technical swimming, properties of the water sports device. This routine is run through in particular when the user configuration has been completed. In particular, the hydraulic properties of the constructed 3D model are checked, for example, as part of a finite element analysis, in which the water sports device is virtually moved relative to a medium.

If the check shows that, for example, a water sports device designed as an underwater scooter is not suitable for diving by virtue of the hydraulic properties thereof and instead repeatedly floats towards a surface or, on the contrary, submerges deeper and deeper, the user can be issued a corresponding response and, if necessary, a proposal for improvement can be submitted automatically.

If the check shows that the water sports device can float and/or submerge to a sufficient extent, the floating body is manufactured manually or preferably automatically, in particular by means of milling or 3D printing. The items of production information can be derived from the 3D contour of the floating body, for which the same or an additional computer program can be used.

The floating body is preferably the swimming board of a foilboard.

In particular, a module for a propulsion installation which can be configured as part of a water sports device and is preferably configurable in terms of size and/or output is mapped in the computer program on the server or the terminal device, respectively.

In particular, this is a propulsion installation having at least one impeller drive or one propeller drive. It is preferably likewise configurable whether the propulsion installation should in particular be designed for automatic thrust control, furthermore particularly for automatic thrust vector control. In this case, according to a further option of the program, the water sports device can be configured with a control unit provided for this purpose.

The propulsion installation preferably has at least one shaftless and/or hubless propeller or impeller, in particular wherein the impeller is at least partially disposed in a flow duct of a propulsion body connected to the environment via at least two openings, the blades of the impeller being mounted only on the radially outer area and the radially inner ends of said blades being disposed freely in the flow duct. As a result, the propulsion installation is particularly suitable for operation near the shore or beach, since the risk of injury is significantly reduced by being disposed in a flow duct, and any underwater plants or similar obstacles are much less likely to get caught in the flow duct and in particular on the impeller.

A control unit that may optionally be necessary can preferably also be configured with a view to further functions. For example, a simple thrust control can be supplemented by a control unit which, in combination with the sensor assemblies described below, is configured for automatic stabilization depending on the driving situation of the water sports device.

For example, a rolling motion or rolling of the water sports device in the water can be counteracted by actuating any potential control means such as vanes, rudder blades or vector nozzles.

In particular, it is defined by the computer program whether the holding installation should have a drive, via which a hydrofoil installation present in a foilboard configuration is transferable, in particular retractable and deployable and/or foldable, from a resting and/or starting position to the operating position and/or from the operating position to the resting and/or starting position. In the case of the configuration of such a drive module, which is preferably configured as an electromechanical or electro-pneumatic drive, a disposal in or on the floating body is queried or proposed in an automated manner, depending on the defined floating body volume.

Furthermore, the user can select whether the control unit should be configured for preferably multi-axis stabilization of the floating body during the transition to the operating position and/or in the operating position. Such a selection leads to the selection of sensors required to this end, e.g. a gyrometer, the associated configuration of the control unit and any potential actuators and the disposal thereof in or on the floating body and/or other parts of the water sports device. For example, a control unit is to be positioned in one recess of the float while a sensor is positioned in another recess, and actuators are positioned as part of a hydrofoil installation. This information, initially only available in the computer program, is then used in the production of the water sports device.

In particular when selecting an internal combustion engine of a propulsion installation provided for the propulsion of the water sports device, which is to be disposed on the floating body, an angularly and/or longitudinally movable drive train is automatically configured in the intended design of a foilboard, which operatively connects the motor to a drive element. Alternatively, an electric motor configured in particular as an internal rotor motor, which forms an impeller drive, can be selected. Such a motor module can initially be virtually positioned on the floating body or another part of the water sports device by means of the computer program and/or in a user-defined manner, and can subsequently be produced.

A module having a sensor assembly is preferably configured by the user in the computer program, with the programmatic mapping of the sensor module and the connection of the latter to the water sports device preferably comprising a configuration step in terms of the type and number of sensors.

For example, at least one sensor, preferably a plurality of sensors, is selected from a group comprising gyro sensors, speed sensors, position sensors (GPS, Glonass, Beidou, etc.), distance sensors (echo sounder, sonar), infra-red sensors and inclination sensors, which can be positioned in the water sports device or on the exterior thereof by the user.

Depending on a sensor that can be used for position determination, a control unit can be configured, which for the purpose of geofencing is configured to generate control signals on the basis of signals from a sensor assembly comprising at least the sensor. In particular, this control unit has corresponding means for storing a map and for comparing the position of the water sports device with this map, or at least means for communicating the position to a central control unit and for receiving control signals originating from the central control unit.

In particular, in the method according to the invention, a module is mapped having a control unit which is preferably configurable in terms of the type of human-machine interface.

As a result of the selection of individual modules comprising a propulsion installation, a control unit, a holding installation and/or a hydrofoil installation, means necessary for communication between the individual components, for supplying the respective components with energy and certain conditions in terms of the disposal of individual elements of the water sports device are obtained. For example, an antenna for communication is to be expediently placed in a region above the water, while a sensor for measuring the distance above ground should be placed in a region of the water sports device that is underwater. The computer program for creating production information takes these necessary prerequisites into account and forms the floating body, the latter being predefined at least in terms of the external contour, in such a way that the disposal of the respective components is possible in an expedient way.

The computer program used to carry out the method according to the invention can include individual sub-programs running sequentially or in parallel. Individual modules of the modularly constructed water sports device can also be mapped or configured in program terms in program modules that can optionally be called up.

In particular, a control unit suitable for controlling the selected modules is provided in an automated manner and so as to depend on the configured modules.

According to a further configuration of the method according to the invention, a module for accessories and the interfaces thereof is mapped in the program. As a result, for example cameras, carrying installations including handles on the water sports device or others items for the operation and the handling of the water sports device manufactured according to the invention can be configured.

In the method according to the invention, different types of water sports devices are preferably mapped on the server or terminal device, and respective configuration options therefor are kept ready. In particular, the fundamental floating bodies for these types of water sports devices (e.g. foilboards or underwater scooters) are mapped in the program module(s) in such a manner that the external contour of the floating body via the selection of the type of water sports device is defined in advance in an associated floating body module, preferably so that it can still be modified.

It goes without saying that the color and/or surface structure of the water sports device can also be specified by the user and can be kept ready for production.

A water sports device manufactured according to the invention is distinguished in particular by its high configurability and is optimally adapted to the needs of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made more particularly to the drawings, which illustrate the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and wherein similar reference characters indicate the same parts throughout the views.

FIG. 1 shows a flow chart for a method according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a first floating body produced by means of a method according to the invention.

FIGS. 3 - 4 show a water sport device according to the invention produced with the module according to FIG. 2 .

FIGS. 5 - 7 show a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9 - 10 show different configurable propulsion installations.

FIGS. 11-14 show further exemplary embodiments of water sports device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Individual technical features of the exemplary embodiments described below, in combination with the features of the independent claim, can also lead to refinements according to the invention. Where expedient, functionally equivalent parts are provided with identical reference signs.

A method according to the invention is visualized by means of a flow chart in FIG. 1 . In part, the process runs as a computer-implemented process on appropriate EDP units, although the design data obtained in this process is used to produce a water sports device which is then provided to the customer.

In this respect, there are three levels in a method according to the invention, which are shown superimposed in FIG. 1 . On the one hand, an upper customer level, on which a (custom) user-defined product configuration 3, i.e. the configuration of the water sports device by the user, takes place. This product configuration takes place on a particularly mobile terminal device 5 of a user, which displays a web-based interface, for example, for a computer program running on a server for carrying out the method according to the invention. Alternatively, the computer program can also run on the terminal device 5 alone and only transmit any design data to a middle-level server (server installation), which is not shown in detail. At the customer end, a program-controlled input interface for user-defined inputs is thus provided on a terminal device 5, wherein program modules 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 are able to be run through, via which at least one external contour of a floating body 4 of a water sports device 2 can be freely defined by the user. Manufacturing information is then automatically created on the terminal 5 or on the server based on the external contour of the floating body 4 and then the configured floating body 4 can be connected to one, in particular several modules of the water sports device 2 to complete the water sports device. The individual modules of the water sports device in the exemplary embodiment are defined by way of the corresponding program modules as follows. In the program module 7, either a floating body is selected from a group of predefined floating bodies, for example underwater scooter shapes or foilboard shapes, or alternatively a custom shape is uploaded, which is then adopted as a 3D data set in a predefined, known format. The program module 9 represents a program module for selecting a module of a propulsion installation which can also be configured in terms of size and/or output. In particular, an impeller or propeller drive can be selected here, including any options with regard to its controllability. For example, it may be selected whether the propulsion installation has thrust vectoring, whereupon appropriate control elements may be selected. These specify certain parameters for the disposal of the individual modules. The program module 11 is optionally available depending on a predefined basic format. When a foilboard is selected in the program module 7, various holding installations for a hydrofoil installation that can likewise be optionally selected in the program module 17 are selected here. In the case of the holding installations, various linkage constructions can either be predetermined or self-constructed and defined in terms of their mobility for the manufacturing of a foilboard having a hydrofoil installation that can be transferred from a resting and operating position close to the floating body to an operating position remote from the latter for the purpose of the floating body traveling over water. The actuation capability and alignment of any potential hydrofoils of the hydrofoil installation can also be configured here.

Depending on the configuration selected in the program module 9, a corresponding foilboard can also be configured, for example, for active self-stabilization in the operating position or during the transition to the operating position. In an automated embodiment, in particular in connection with position sensors such as gyrometers, there is active self-stabilization of the water sports device, particularly in the operating position. In the case of active self-stabilization, the control unit thus compensates for instabilities by sending control commands to at least one actuator of the water sports device, wherein actuators are active actuating means. This can be a motor of the propulsion installation, adjustable flaps or nozzles or adjustable fins, rudders, hydrofoils or individual adjustable portions thereof. In the control unit, input variables such as data on the position of the water sports device, output of the propulsion installation, speed, acceleration and/or user inputs are evaluated and control commands for one or a plurality of actuators are generated. As a result, it is possible for beginners in particular to more rapidly have a better driving experience. In particular, the control unit is designed for active self-stabilization of the water sports device by means of thrust vector control during the transition to the operating position and/or when the floating body is lifted from the water surface, since the person using said water sports device is subjected to great influences during these phases.

Any sensors that simplify the operation of the water sports device, or sensors of a sensor assembly that are available to said water sports device for various, in particular comfort, functions can be selected in the program module 15 . These are, for example, sensors from a group of sensors including gyro sensors, speed sensors, position sensors, distance sensors, infra-red sensors and inclination sensors.

Various control units, which can be configured in particular with regard to a human-machine interface, are shown in the program module 13. For example, a hand-held device for manual control of a foilboard, display units for disposing displays in a floating body and/or bus systems for actuating individual modules and means of communication can be selected there. Additional modules that are not illustrated can, for example, depict accessories and the interfaces thereof, for example cameras, life-saving accessories, etc.

After the type of water sports device and the configuration thereof has been selected in the program module 7, a 3D data set of a water sports device is created either on the server or on the terminal device, which in terms of constructive properties, in particular technical swimming properties, is either already checked at the customer end by the program running in the corresponding device or on a server installation. In the present exemplary embodiment, this takes place in program module 19. If a corresponding check has produced a positive result, in addition to the usual query steps such as entering the address, ordering process, etc., any production steps are determined. It is preferably defined here whether the floating body is produced by 3D printing or by milling, depending on the material selected (step 21). Production then takes place in step 23 and the produced water sports device is tested in step 25 before it is made available to the customer in step 27. A production data set is generated as described above for the production of the floating body in particular.

For example, a floating body 4 in the form of a swimming board is initially configured in the program module 7. In this instance, this swimming board according to the optional program modules 11, and 17, having the hydrofoil installation 6 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 , can have in each case two front and two rear control arms 10 which are attached to one another in an articulated manner and connected to one another by means of a transverse linkage 24 and by a drive 12 are transferred from a resting and operating position close to the floating body 4 to the operating position according to FIG. 4 by way of an intermediate position illustrated in FIG. 3 . For this purpose, the holding device 8 has a control installation that is controlled in a control unit that is selected in the program module 13.

FIGS. 5 to 7 disclose a further variant of a water sport device 2, again in the form of a foilboard, which in the present case is equipped with two propulsion installations 50, hydrofoils 16 of a hydrofoil installation 6 being disposed therebetween. The holding installation 8, by means of which the hydrofoil installation 6 provided with the two propulsion installations 50 can be transferred from the operating position shown in FIG. 6 back to the resting and/or starting position shown in FIG. 7 , again has an electric motor drive 12. In addition, a shield 71 is configured to serve as a splash guard. If, in the case of a foilboard configured with a movable holding installation 8, which is intended to be transferrable from the position shown in FIG. 5 to a resting and starting position close to the floating body 4, the shape of the floating body contradicts a sufficiently close arrangement, the computer program can, for example, propose the incorporation in one of the recesses 68 shown in FIG. 5 , so that the hydrofoil installation 6 can better pivot toward the floating body 4.

An arrangement of propulsion installations 50 on the side of hydrofoils 16 shown in FIG. 8 can be proposed both by the user and in the program module 9 if a basic type of foilboard has been selected in the program module 7 (FIG. 8 ). Different types of propulsion installations can also be selected in the program module 9. By way of example, FIG. 9 shows a propulsion installation 50 provided with an impeller drive, which is provided for thrust vector control by means of guide vanes 94 designed as elevator and rudder. FIG. 10 shows a propulsion installation having a vector nozzle 92.

According to program module 11, the hydrofoils 16 of a hydrofoil installation 6 can be configured to be pivotable, for which purpose manual pivoting can be selected on the one hand, which must be carried out before the start of an operation in order to achieve specific properties. In a comfortable variant of a foilboard, on the other hand, with a corresponding control unit and corresponding actuators, motorized controllability of the hydrofoils 16 and, in particular, automatic controllability for stabilization purposes can be configured (FIG. 12 ). The controllability of the hydrofoils 16 can also be configured or achieved by only partially controlled parts of the hydrofoil installation in the form of the tips 16.1 of the latter (FIG. 13 ). According to FIG. 14 , a propulsion installation 50 configured with a total of two front and two rear control arms 10, each being arranged on one side of a propulsion installation 50, can also be equipped with a propeller instead of an impeller.

ABSTRACT

A modularly constructed water sports device is configured as defined by the user by means of a computer program. A floating body which at least in terms of the external contour thereof is defined by a user is manufactured according to items of production information generated in an automated manner. The external contour may be freely definable. The floating body defined in this way as a module of the water sports device, preferably with one or a plurality of further modules, is subsequently used for the construction and/or production or completion, respectively, of a water sports device composed of a plurality of modules, i.e. a plurality of in particular functional assembles which are connectable to one another. The individual modules of a water sports device initially comprise the floating body configured as a module and to be defined in the program and mapped in the latter, as well as any other potential modules necessary for the functioning of the water sports device. 

1. A method for constructing a water sports device having a modular construction including a floating body and at least one module connectable to at least one of the floating body and another module, the method comprising the steps of: providing a server installation and a program-controlled input interface for user-defined inputs on a terminal device, mapping one or more of said at least one module in a computer program of the server installation and/or of the terminal device, defining, by a user, at least one external contour of the floating body of the water sports device, automatically creating items of production information based on the external contour of the floating body defined by the user via the program, producing the floating body accordingly, wherein the floating body is thereby is used conjointly with at least one, of said modules tconnectable therewith so as to complete the water sports device [[(2)]].
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external contour is determined based on free-form surfaces on the server installation and/or the terminal device.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein testing in terms of constructive, characteristics of the water sports device is performed in an automated manner on the server installation and/or the terminal device.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floating body is manufactured manually or in an automated manner based on the items of production information.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floating body is manufactured by means of milling or 3D printing.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floating body is a board of a hydrofoil board.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a module having a propulsion installation is mapped in the program, said propulsion installation being configurable in terms of size and/or output.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a module having a hydrofoil and/or holding installation is mapped in the program, said hydrofoil and/or holding installation being configurable in terms of size and/or actuation capability.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a module having a sensor assembly is mapped in the program, said sensor assembly being configurable in terms of the number and type of sensors.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a module having a control unit is mapped in the program, said control unit being configurable in terms of the type of human-machine interface.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control unit which in an automated manner is compatible as a function of the configured modules is provided in the program.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a module for accessories and the interfaces thereof is mapped in the program.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a module having floating bodies for the choice of the type of water sports device is preselected in the program.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the external contour of the preselected floating body is configurable in the program by way of the choice of the type of water sports device.
 15. A water sports device manufactured by a method as claimed in claim
 1. 